Champix

What is Champix?

Champix is the brand name for varenicline, which is a high-affinity partial agonist for the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype (nACh).

It is used to help smokers give up by stopping them from experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The usual dose is 0.5mg or 1mg.

You must be over 18 and have a prescription to buy Champix.

What is Champix used to treat?

Champix tablets are an effective medication for helping people to quit smoking, designed to reduce the craving and withdrawal symptoms that people often experience when they are trying to give up. Champix helps to block the effects of nicotine in the body.

Smoking is a highly addictive habit, and many people find it very difficult to give up without experiencing withdrawal and cravings. Champix tablets also reduce the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products, making it easier for the user to stop smoking.

Treatment usually lasts for 12 weeks.

How does Champix stop my smoking cravings?

Champix contains varenicline as its active ingredient, which works to block the effects of nicotine within your body. You brain has receptors for nicotine and when you inhale smoke from a cigarette, the nicotine is attached to them. This causes the brain to release dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that creates a temporary pleasurable feeling in the body, which your body wants to feel again – this is why people find it hard to stop smoking.

Champix tablets are believed to work by stopping the nicotine from being able to attach itself to the receptors, which reduces your need to smoke and helps to limit withdrawal symptoms.

Who can take Champix?

Champix is an effective medication to help people quit smoking for good, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

Champix is only available on prescription to adults who are at least 18 years old.

Before you use this medication, you should inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the following problems:

• Heart or blood vessel problems
• Depression or any other mental health problems
• Epilepsy
• Seizures

Common adverse reactions of taking Champix include feeling tired and nausea. Not everyone will get them, but if you do feel either of these while using Champix, you are not advised to drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Can you buy Champix over the counter?

You must have a prescription for Champix, so it is not for sale over the counter. If you feel you need this medication to give up smoking for good, speak to your doctor.

Can you buy Champix online in the UK?

You can buy Champix online from Medicine Direct by completing an online consultation. As this medication is prescription-only, one of our certified doctors, pharmacists or prescribers will need to ensure that it is suitable for you to take. All you need to do is answer some confidential questions about your condition.

To make sure you only buy safe and genuine medication, only order it from a regulated online pharmacy like Medicine Direct.

Champix alternatives

Aside from taking a medication like Champix, smokers who are trying to give up can also try the following:

• Nicotine gum
• Nicotine patches
• Nicotine inhalers
• Nicotine nasal sprays
• Therapy

If you are struggling to quit, speak to your doctor.

How to take Champix

• Take Champix tablets at the same time(s) each day.
• Before you begin taking the tablets, decide on a day in the second week of treatment that you will stop smoking.
• If you have stopped smoking after 12 weeks of taking Champix, your doctor may advise that you keep taking it for a further 12 weeks to make sure you do not start again.
• Champix will only help you to stop smoking if you are genuinely dedicated to quitting. You can speak to your doctor or pharmacist about additional advice and support if you need it.

Make sure you read the patient information leaflet before you start taking Champix. Here, you will find full guidance on how to take it.

Champix dose

The table below shows the usual recommended doses of Champix throughout treatment. However, always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.

Champix Side Effects

A full list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

It is natural to have withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking, such as mood changes (depression, irritability, frustration or feeling anxious), difficulty in concentrating and sleeping, an increased heart rate and weight gain.

Some of the common side effects of Champix include:

• Nausea
• Inflammation of the nose and throat
• Headaches
• Abnormal dreams
• Difficulty sleeping
• Chest infection
• Increased weight
• Heartburn, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, feeling bloated, abdominal pain
• Toothache, indigestion, flatulence, dry mouth
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Joint ache, back pain or muscle pain
• Chest pain
• Tiredness

Seek medical attention if you experience any of these:

• Conjunctivitis
• Fungal or viral infection
• Mood swings, feeling panicked, anxious, restlessness or difficulty in thinking
• Ringing in the ears
• Seizures or tremors
• Reddening of the skin, acne
• Night sweats
• Angina, rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Bloody stools, changes of bowel movement regularity
• Muscle spasms
• Chest pains
• Dry mouth
• Heart attack
• High blood sugar
• Suicidal thoughts
• Ulcers or gum pain
• Flu-like symptoms or generally feeling unwell
• Increased menstrual flow
• Increased blood pressure
• Abnormally infrequent urination

Champix warnings and drug interactions

Champix is an effective medicine to aid in helping people to quit smoking, but other drugs can interact with how well this medicine works.

Before taking any medicine, you should always tell your doctor if you are already taking any prescription or non-prescription medication, vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies.

You should make sure your doctor is aware if you are taking any of the below:

• Cimetidine
• Any medicines to treat breathing problems, such as theophylline
• Blood clotting medicines, such as warfarin
• Insulin
• Any other medicines to help you to give up smoking

If you have any concerns or questions at all, you should always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you start to use Champix.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Although it is very important that women quit smoking while they are pregnant, Champix tablets are not normally recommended for pregnant women. If you are currently pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, you should inform your doctor before you start to use this medication.

Similarly, Champix tablets are not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, and you should make sure your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding before you use this medication.

Other medications may be more suitable for you to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

We recommend BUMPS for additional information. 

Champix Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Varenicline tartrate.

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.